Block party hopes to make noise for charity

Friday

WELLSVILLE — The Sixth Annual Better Days Block Party will be making some noise for charity Saturday night into the early morning hours.

Better Days owner Larry Weinhauer is hoping this year’s event is bigger than ever, with a record four different charities standing to benefit from portions of the proceeds. Music on the Lawn, St. Jude Children's Hospital, the Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Association and the Make-A-Wish Foundation will all get a boost from the event.

“The last two years we wanted to try do something more local, and Music on the Lawn treats us very well,” Weinhauer explained. “They do a tremendous job bringing people to Main Street all summer. We wanted to kick something back locally. When I was teaching in Wellsville I did a math-a-thon supporting St. Jude’s, and I enjoy continuing that tradition.”

The other two charities, the Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Association and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, have an even more personal connection.

“Both groups are treating my nephew very well right now,” Weinhauer said. “Before my first wife passed Make A Wish sent us to New York City, so we wanted to contribute back to those organizations that make such an impact in people’s lives.”

Main Street will be blocked off from Pearl to Jefferson Street starting at 8:30 p.m. Saturday. That’s about 30 minutes later than past events, a change made to better accommodate other Main Street businesses in the area.

The first five years have seen over 500 people attend each event, and Weinhauer is hopeful that this year’s musical attraction could draw in record-setting numbers.

Witch Hazel will perform from about 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Based in Bradford, Pa., Witch Hazel has built a substantial following in Pennsylvania and Western New York. The band plays a mixture of classic and modern rock, featuring Lisa Platko on vocals with support from Randy Abbott (vocals/guitar), Tim Vaughn (bass) and Rich Platko (drums).

“With Witch Hazel playing we’re thinking attendance might jump a fair amount,” Weinhauer said. “We’ve added a couple more charities, we think we’ve hit a home run with the band this year and we’re looking forward to a great night.”

The cover charge is $5. Visitors must be 21 to attend.

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